When ds1 was 7 months I went back to work part time and being able to sit in a coffee shop over my lunch hour reading a book was heaven!! Now I've been a sahm for a year and a half with 2 little ones and the only down time j get is when they are in bed. My dh would take them out if I asked but he's not great at thinking ahead and offering so I just get into the habit of not bothering. Stupidly if I do get some alone time to go to dr appointment for example I end up rushing back as I feel guilty that I've left dh on his own with the 2 of them. Crazy I know as he's always fine but it means I dont actually enjoy the alone time. Can't wait to be in a position to go back to work and get some of the real me back.

I find my child free time is usually when he is at school(I try to sleep because I work night shift 4 or 5 nights a week). Usually once or twice a week I am home alone before work for a few hours so will usually sleep if I can, clean the house, watch TV, spend time with my best friend pending on what he is doing. Sometimes I might even go into work and do a longer shift if I can.

I work most weekends so if I manage to get a Saturday night off, might try and catch up with a friend but usually I have my name down to work or I am in bed by 8pm as hadn't slept during the day(work every Friday night).

I have found with kiddo about to turn 9, being able to sit and do my own thing is so much easier. He is happy to entertain himself which is a bonus really. It's much easier when they are older

ProSwim runs learn to swim classes for babies, children and adults. Our indoor centre in Plympton Park has lessons all year round, including school holidays. We also offer outdoor programs during the summer months (Oct-Mar) at Rostrevor college.